Acetaminophen Toxicity in Cats
Acetaminophen is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) drug commonly available in such human forms as Tylenol and Percoset. Acetaminophen is also a component of various other cold and flu medications. Although acetaminophen is a safe drug for you to take to relieve minor aches and pains, it is highly toxic to your cat! Even one pill can be a deadly dose of acetaminophen for a cat. Never give Tylenol (or any other form of acetaminophen) to your cat!
While some cats suffer from acetaminophen toxicity because they are given a pill, many cats may eat pills laying around the bathroom. Some cats can even destroy the bottle the pills come in and ingest them this way. If you ever give your cat acetaminophen or even suspect that she has had access to it, take her to your veterinarian immediately!
In cats, acetaminophen is metabolized to a toxic compound that produces free radicals which are harmful to the liver and red blood cells. Early signs of acetaminophen toxicity include vomiting, drooling, dullness, and discoloration of the gums to a brownish color. Within 24 hours your cat may experience convulsions, a swollen face and extremities, a coma, or sudden death. After 24 hours toxic liver failure has occurred and signs will include yellowing of the mucous membranes and eyes, and a painful abdomen.
Treatment is possible if started within a few hours of ingestion. Treatment will usually consist of IV fluids, and the administering of charcoal to your cat to bind the excess drug. The veterinarian may also give her something to induce vomiting. Your cat will need to stay in the veterinary hospital for a few days. If liver failure has occurred, your veterinarian will try to prevent any further damage to the liver. However, prognosis for a complete recovery is very poor in this case.
To prevent a possible toxicity in your cat, never administer any medications of any kind without previous instructions from your veterinarian!! If you are in doubt about whether a certain drug is safe for your cat, call your veterinarian's office and ask! Never just assume that a drug that is safe for you will be safe for your cat!